In a significant step towards modernising India’s maritime governance, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, hosted the IT Conclave 2025 – Leveraging Technology in Maritime today in New Delhi. The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, alongside Minister of State Shantanu Thakur.

Jointly organised with the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), the event aligns with Digital India, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and showcased a range of digital initiatives designed to create a transparent, smart and secure maritime ecosystem.

Among the major launches was the revamped, GIGW 3.0-compliant DG Shipping website featuring a multilingual, mobile-friendly interface tailored for seafarers, shipowners, training institutes and maritime stakeholders. Also unveiled was the first phase of the flagship e-Samudra platform—a cloud-native system integrating over 60 maritime services. Initial modules include digital solutions for chartering permissions and licences, Ship Building Financial Assistance (SBFA), Multi-Modal Transport Operator (MTO) registration, and a Visitor Access Management System to automate office access and boost security.

“These digital initiatives represent a paradigm shift in maritime governance,” said Union Minister Sonowal. “They are a reflection of our resolve to deliver efficient, transparent and tech-driven maritime services aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.”

A pilot of an AI-based digital examination system was also launched at MMD Noida, while the “Leveraging Technology in Maritime” vision booklet was released. This document lays out the DGS digital roadmap, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), web-based simulation aligned with international STCW standards, ERP systems for the Seafarers’ Provident Fund Organisation (SPFO) and Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS), digital archival of maritime records, and an Integrated Command & Control Centre for real-time data monitoring.

It also outlines upcoming frameworks for cybersecurity and data protection in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

Minister of State Shantanu Thakur said, “With e-Samudra and our digital platforms, we are enhancing service delivery, streamlining business processes, and positioning India as a global leader in maritime digital governance.”